If I Put My Cat On A Diet, Will They Still Love Me?

It’s true that cats have a reputation for being able to get what they want. It can be hard to resist feeding them or giving them treats when they turn on the ‘cute’ act. However, obesity in cats can lead to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. The best way to prevent or reverse this is, just like humans, with diet and exercise.

Why do cats get fat?

Like humans, gaining weight is largely based on two factors – how much your cat eats and how active they are. We often confine cats to our homes (which is quite a reasonable thing to do, both for their safety and that of prey species). It means cats might not exercise as much as they should. Lack of exercise or inactivity also leads to boredom, which can result in overeating or begging for more food.

Other factors contributing to weight gain include:

becoming overweight or obese include

being the only cat in the household with no one to play with

being male

being desexed, and

being incorrectly fed a prescription diet

How will my cat behave on a diet?

Cats are known for their aloof nature, so you’d be forgiven for thinking your cat may become angry if their calories are restricted. However, cats can actually exhibit more affectionate behaviour when fed a calorie-restricted diet. When they’re healthier, they will feel it, and often become happier and more loving. It could take some time for your cat to get used to their new diet, but the health benefits of weight loss for overweight and obese cats is worth it.

‘Cats basically treat owners as a food source,’ she says. ‘So as long as your cat is getting food consistently from you, from a survival point of view, they will continue to come home. Being a pet means security, safety, warmth, shelter, water, food, and lots of love. I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about.’

At the end of the day, you need to break the cycle. Train yourself not to be influenced by your cat’s behaviour and always keep their health and best interest in mind. Your local Greencross Vets can advise on the best ways to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.